Belhaven Hosts First NCAA Softball Regional in Program History

Jackson, Miss. — Belhaven University will host its first-ever NCAA Division III Softball Regional at Jim McLeod Field from May 14 to May 16. The four-team, double-elimination tournament features No. 1 seed Belhaven, No. 2 seed Emory, No. 3 seed Berry, and No. 4 seed Westminster (Pa.). The winner advances to the NCAA Super Regionals, with the regional games lasting through Saturday.

Belhaven earned the top seed after winning the Collegiate Conference of the South regular season and tournament titles. The Blazers, 37-9, are making their sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and are playing at home for the first time. They will open against Westminster (Pa.) on Thursday at 11 a.m. Emory, a 25-12 at-large selection, faces Berry at 1:30 p.m. in the tournament’s first day.

The regional schedule continues Friday with three games, leading to the championship game Saturday. If necessary, a second title game will be played. Tickets are available at the entrance each day, with prices ranging from $5 for children to $15 for adults.

Each team brings different postseason experiences and histories. Belhaven is undefeated at 9-0 in the CCS Tournament and boasts a potent offense led by players such as Maryanna Guy and Melissa Lopera. Emory, with a 25-12 record, reached the UAA Championship series and features senior Ashley Chu, a program all-time hits leader. Berry secured its fifth straight SAA title, arriving with a 30-13 record and a strong defensive profile. Westminster, the PAC champion, rounds out the field.

The Blazers have never faced Westminster or Emory in softball but are 5-5 against Berry. Emory is 17-12 against Berry, and Westminster has not previously played any of the other teams in program history.

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